Standard

Examples of necessary behaviors
(not all inclusive)

Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

• Establish a rapport with clients, families, and colleagues.

Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form

• Collect and document data
• Explain treatment procedures
• Obtain and disseminate information relevant to patient care and work duties.

Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment

• Identify cause and effect relationship in clinical situations
• Apply knowledge from lecture, lab and clinical areas
• Utilize basic mathematical skills

Physical abilities sufficient to maneuver in small spaces, and reach for needed equipment

• Move around and within sterile field,
• Move around and within sub-sterile area
• Administer CPR
• Transfer patients from stretchers/ wheelchairs
• Transfer anesthetized patients to and from the operating room table to stretcher
• Assist in positioning non-mobile patients on the operating room table.

Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective patient care

• Move, calibrate, pass equipment and supplies including sharp instruments
• Lift and carry at least thirty (30) pounds of weight to safely transport and use instrument trays and ancillary aids (x-ray cassettes, positioning equipment, portable equipment from one operating room to another including emergency equipment
• Able to stand for 4 hours (8 hours on call) without a break

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs

• Hears patitne cries of distress
• Sound of instruments being properly utilized
• Monitor alarms
• Monitor vital signs
• Understand and correctly carry out oral instructions given by instructors and clinical personnel where all personnel are wearing surgical masks. (covering the lips and lower face)

Visual ability sufficient for physical assessment, performance of surgical technology procedures, and maintenance of environmental safety

• Observes client responses such as skin color and facial expression
• Interprets monitors
• Reading computer screens, small print, handwritten notations
• Visually monitoring patient for retention of correct position, correct breathing, and motion
• Reading and carrying out written instructions on preference cards, requisitions, treatment cards, notes and other records

Tactile ability sufficient for assessment and performance of surgical technology procedures

• Perform palpation techniques, functions of surgical technology such as insertion of a urinary catheter

Emotional stability and mental alertness in performing the surgical technologist role

• Maintaining a calm and efficient manner in high stress/ high pressure situations anytime of a 24 hour period with patients, visitors, staff, and peers (and students)
• Does not use or abuse drugs or alcohol including prescribed drugs that may alter speed or perception of surroundings.

Olfactory ability sufficient to perform surgical technology procedures

• Distinguish drugs and liquid or gaseous chemicals